Introduction
Sexual health is an integral part of overall health. Sexual dysfunction can have a major impact on quality of life and psychosocial and emotional well-being.
Aim
To provide evidence-based, expert-opinion consensus guidelines for clinical management of sexual dysfunction in men.
Methods
An international consultation collaborating with major urologic and sexual medicine societies convened in Paris, July 2009. More than 190 multidisciplinary experts from 33 countries were assembled into 25 consultation committees. Committee members established scope and objectives for each chapter. Following an exhaustive review of available data and publications, committees developed evidence-based guidelines in each area.
Main Outcome Measures
New algorithms and guidelines for assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions were developed based on work of previous consultations and evidence from scientific literature published from 2003 to 2009. The Oxford system of evidence-based review was systematically applied. Expert opinion was based on systematic grading of medical literature, and cultural and ethical considerations.
Results
Algorithms, recommendations, and guidelines for sexual dysfunction in men are presented. These guidelines were developed in an evidence-based, patient-centered, multidisciplinary manner. It was felt that all sexual dysfunctions should be evaluated and managed following a uniform strategy, thus the International Consultation of Sexual Medicine (ICSM-5) developed a stepwise diagnostic and treatment algorithm for sexual dysfunction. The main goal of ICSM-5 is to unmask the underlying etiology and/or indicate appropriate treatment options according to men’s and women’s individual needs (patient-centered medicine) using the best available data from population-based research (evidence-based medicine). Specific evaluation, treatment guidelines, and algorithms were developed for every sexual dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction; disorders of libido, orgasm, and ejaculation; Peyronie’s disease; and priapism.
Conclusions
Sexual dysfunction in men represents a group of common medical conditions that need to be managed from a multidisciplinary perspective.
The use of urodynamics and transrectal ultrasound should be limited to situations in which the results are likely to benefit the patient such as in selection for surgery. It is emphasized that imaging and endoscopy of the urinary tract have specific indications such as dipstick hematuria. Treatment should be holistic, and may include conservative measures, lifestyle interventions and behavioral modifications as well as medication and surgery. Only treatments with a strong evidence base for their clinical effectiveness should be used.
The use of urodynamics and transrectal ultrasound should be limited to situations in which the results are likely to benefit the patient such as in selection for surgery. It is emphasized that imaging and endoscopy of the urinary tract have specific indications such as dipstick hematuria. Treatment should be holistic, and may include conservative measures, lifestyle interventions and behavioral modifications as well as medication and surgery. Only treatments with a strong evidence base for their clinical effectiveness should be used.
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